I have multiple sclerosis. I was diagnosed in 2009, but now know my first attack came 17 years before that. For the peaceful time in between the first and second attacks, both of which involved major vision loss– now healed– I also count myself lucky.

I’ve also been around the block a few times, so I can say I am:

expert at the “resting-bitch-face,” which to me, looks like thinking, not bitching. I prefer to gift my smiles to those circumstances that deserve them

highly allergic to sparkle ponies, whom, I hope, will someday find the difference between their own elbows and backsides without benefit of post-it notes

not prone to tears or soft on teariness

not prone to believe most stories without research

glad I still can work, since I actually like to work

endlessly trying to get around my physical limitations by doing unexpected things, as, for instance, NOT sitting in a wheelchair